Wolves legend 'King John' is awarded Freedom of Wolverhampton honour

The former striker, dubbed 'King John', by Wolves supporters was presented with the Freedom of the City badge and a scroll at a civic luncheon hosted by the Mayor of the Wolverhampton Councillor Linda Leach on Friday - watched on by his wife Pam and other members of his family.

The medal was bestowed by the council for his outstanding contributions to Wolverhampton Wanderers, his charity work and the exceptional impact he has made in the community. 

The 74-year-old, who is a Wolves vice-president, said: "It's absolutely fantastic. It's an honour and a privilege. It's something that is beyond  anybody' wildest dreams to get this sort of recognition from the city where you've lived for all this time. 

"I can drive my flock through the city centre whenever once I buy the flock for my wife for her birthday, but don't tell here. It's a bit of a surprise."

Driving sheep through a town or city was an ancient right of Freemen.

Born in Warrington, Cheshire,  he also played for England and spent almost his entire career with Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club having signed to the club in 1969 and has never left. 

During his 14 years at Wolves he made 487 appearances in winning two league cups, appearing in the first UEFA Cup Final. 

"I always played football for the local teams, school in fact I was very late coming into professional football. I was 18 at the grammar school, finished off my A levels and then I came to Wolves for a trial match and they signed me on a 12-monthh contract.  I was there for 14 years from '69 to '83. Then I played in Portugal for two years and then I was working for the council here in Wolverhampton. I was the sports and recreation officer for six years.

"It was a fantastic experience for me. I've got connections with the city in various ways either through football or the city council itself."

"I've had many messages to congratulating me. Not just from my family, but their friends as well which is very heartwarming and lovely. It's a family award. I find it very embarrassing to be thought of as a legend, but it is nice to be able to walk round Wolverhampton and be in a restaurant or a pub and people come up and say, 'hello John'. 

"I think it's lovely being able to chat to people and the fact that they will come and have a chat with me, which is how it should be.  With the fans we've created memories over all the years and it's important for us to keep those memories."

"Virtually all my adult life has been spent in or around the Wolverhampton area and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else," he added.

He remains the second highest goal scorer in Wolves history netting an impressive 194 goals, all of which were scored in the top flight. He holds the record for the most FA Cup goals with an outstanding total of 24.

A favourite among the fans he he gained the nickname ‘King John’ and his crowning moment was scoring the winning 2-1 goal in the 1974 League Cup Final against Manchester City.

In attendance at the event held at the civic centre were councillors, his Wolves midfield team mate Kenny Hibbert, and Freedom of Wolverhampton medallists children's campaigner Lisa Potts and Olympic cyclist Hugh Porter. 

Mr Richards said: “I have to say, the news came as a complete surprise. I’m not sure what I’ve done to be given such a prestigious award, but I’m feeling very flattered and very honoured.

“I came to Wolverhampton after I left school more than 50 years ago and I’ve been here ever since. I married a local girl and both our daughters were brought up here, so it’s fair to say that this is definitely where my home is and my heart.

“From the outset I was made to feel very welcome and that helped me to settle in. Mind you it took me a while to adjust to the language difference, but I’m quite proficient in Black Country now.

“Wolverhampton is a great city. Like the football club, it has had its ups and downs, but that spirit and determination of the community keeps shining through. When you look around there are so many good things happening in the city, so many good people doing so much good work to help others. It makes me feel proud to be a member of this community and I’m happy to play a part in whatever way I can.”

Councillor Leach said: “As well as providing hugely memorable moments to Wolves fans during along and illustrious career, he has been a valuable member of our community raising funds for charity, supporting former players, assisting in public engagement events that have had a direct impact on the residents of Wolverhampton and been a valued member of our city.

"This is a fitting tribute for what he has given to Wolverhampton over the years and continues to give.”

Others previously awarded the Freedom of the City of Wolverhampton include former Wolves striker Steve Bull, , singer Beverley Knight, Olympic heptathlete Denise Lewis, while cricketer Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, former Wolves owner Sir Jack Hayward and the Wolverhampton MP Dennis Turner have passed away.